The text below is the transcript from the Transmission drone inspections video.
Pearse Murray -To ensure we at SP Energy Networks deliver the highest level of customer service it is crucial that we regularly inspect the transmission towers on our network.
Until recently we had relied only on helicopters to visually assess the towers, however, following a successful trial in 2020 we are now using drones to carry out condition-based assessments on the network of towers we own and maintain across Central and Southern Scotland.
And that’s also why we’ve awarded Cyberhawk, the leading drone-based inspection firm, a three year contract to support our work here – utilising its iHawk software to collect data and report on 85 different points on every single one of our towers.
It’s a massive undertaking to ensure that regular condition-based assessments of the towers on our transmission network are completed, and the drone technology represents a significant step forward.
The imagery we obtain is of a very high standard due to the flexibility of the drone technology deployed by Cyberhawk, and the data we receive allows us to make informed decisions when it comes to future investment.
Chris Fleming - By partnering with Cyberhawk, SP Energy Networks now has access to more accurate survey results through our state-of-the-art drone inspection technology and iHawk software.
Once a survey is complete, we prepare detailed reports on each individual tower using our iHawk software and our expert technical staff carefully inspect each individual image creating a matrix of condition that is carefully ranked before it is sent to the client.
Pearse Murray - The condition report we receive makes us aware of defects and potential future issues at a very early stage.
We can often now just send one engineer out, rather than the three or four needed in the past, minimising the impact on landowners and ensuring we maintain a resilient and reliable network for our customers through better informed investment and maintenance planning.
The use of drone technology has also allowed SP Energy Networks to maintain critical inspection services throughout the coronavirus pandemic, helping us to keep the lights on for millions of customers, ensuring safe operations across our network.
The technology will also not only improve how we inspect these critical assets on our network, but it will reduce the company’s carbon footprint and help us towards our goal of delivering Net Zero in line with government targets and build a better future, quicker for everyone.